Delhi has recorded its wettest May on record, with the city receiving an unprecedented amount of rainfall, leading to significant disruptions across the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that as of May 25, 2025, Delhi has received 186.4 mm of rain, surpassing the previous record of 165 mm set in May 2008. This month's rainfall is nearly nine times the average May rainfall of 21.9 mm.
The heavy downpour, accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, has caused widespread waterlogging in many areas, bringing traffic to a standstill. Key areas such as Minto Road, Humayun Road, and Shastri Bhawan have experienced severe waterlogging, with vehicles submerged in the floodwaters. The main underpass connecting Delhi to the airport was also severely affected, leaving dozens of vehicles damaged. Visuals of a car submerged at Minto Bridge have been widely circulated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The adverse weather conditions have significantly impacted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Over 200 flights have been affected, with 49 flights being diverted between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet have reported delays and disruptions, advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. While flight operations are gradually returning to normal, congestion remains an issue. A section of the external tensile fabric at Terminal 1 of the airport was temporarily affected due to water accumulation, but operations were quickly restored.
The IMD had issued a red alert for Delhi and surrounding areas, warning of thunderstorms, rain, and high-speed winds. The city's primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded wind gusts up to 82 kmph, with 81.2 mm of rain falling in just six hours. The sudden storm caused temperatures to plummet, with Safdarjung experiencing a drop from 31 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius in a mere 90 minutes.
Power supply has been disrupted in several parts of Delhi due to damage to electrical installations caused by the rain and thunderstorms. Areas such as Bawana, Ghoga village, Sector 25 Rohini, and others in North Delhi have been affected. Authorities are working to restore power supply, with temporary suspensions implemented in some areas as a safety measure.
Despite the disruptions, the heavy rainfall has brought some relief from the intense summer heat. The sudden change in weather led to a sharp drop in temperatures, providing a welcome respite for residents. However, the IMD has indicated that this relief may be short-lived, with temperatures expected to gradually rise again in the coming days, potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius by May 28.
The heavy rains have not been limited to Delhi alone. Neighboring states like Haryana have also experienced severe waterlogging. The IMD has issued red alerts for several districts in Kerala, forecasting intense rainfall. The southwest monsoon is expected to advance to Maharashtra soon, with Mumbai and other coastal areas already experiencing pre-monsoon showers.
